What type of base is suitable for my shed?

Before
considering the type of base you need for your shed, it’s always advisable to
figure out the benefits of the most popular
bases first. Take a wise decision so that your selected base can outlast the shed for years.
You might also erect the sheds without
a firm base. But it will be too weak to last long.

Different types of shed bases are
available in the market. However,
the selection of a base should
depend on how you intend
to use the shed, how much time you’ll be spending there or the type of stuff you are planning to store in
your shed.

The large sheds will definitely require a strong concrete foundation. But if the shed is primarily used for storing the garden equipment, quick and easy options such as plastic shed base, are also available.

Plastic Shed
Base

Isn’t
it a great idea to use recycled plastic for supporting the garden sheds?

This one is relatively a new option in the market for creating durable
small to medium sized sheds. Plastic has become an essential part of our daily
life as it is being used in several applications including civil engineering as well as road construction. Now you can even use it to form durable
eco shed bases. As the shed
is built upon the grid-work, the rodents will find it difficult to enter your
shed. Unlike most of the plastics, these recycled plastic bases are UV
stabilized which won’t get brittle under the sun over time. It’s advisable to
purchase a plastic shed base kit from
a reputed company rather than making a base from your own scratch so that you
can get all the required components depending on the size of your shed.

Pros:

Since they are made out of recycled plastic, the grids will last a very long time.

Plastic will not hold the moisture like a concrete base

Reduces the splashes of rain, so it won’t get wet in rain

Plastic base grids allow the bottom of your shed to have adequate ventilation

Relatively inexpensive than others

Can be moved if you need

Easy to install

Cons:

If
it’s not installed properly, it might allow wetness into the structure.

Concrete base

only if you are planning to set up a large garden building, a concrete shed base is strongly recommended. It provides ample support to the garden structure eliminating the risk of replacing it every year. Though the task of
building a concrete base for your shed is quite labor intensive, it is just a fun weekend
DIY project for you. Some of pros and cons of a concrete base are listed below to help you choose the suitable one.

Pros:

Permanent

Firm

Strong

Durable

Low maintenance

Cons:

Permanent (it can be daunting if you try to remove the concrete from the land, in case you decide to remove it in future)

Pretty much costlier than other shed bases

Will be uneven if not done properly

Will crack easily if it’s not done professionally

Requires a lot of time to set before building it

Paving Slab

Concrete is not the only base material you can try for your garden shed. Paving stone base can be a good choice if you are looking for
smaller garden sheds. But choosing an uneven ground for the paving slab will give way to an unsteady
slab. Paving slabs form a semi-permanent structure which is ideal for those who want to move their house in near future.
Use thicker slabs to avoid cracks.

Pros:

Quick and easy installation

Easy to maintain

You can move it easily

Cons:

It’s not suitable for the larger or heavy weight structures

No drainage system

Problems of water pooling

Timber Bearer
Shed Base

This is a quick
and inexpensive way to build
a secure base for your shed. With the pressure
treated timber bearers you can easily
create a strong
foundation. Pressure treated
wood can withstand
damp and last for many years.
But the method
of timber bearer
shed base is applicable only when you have
a level area to construct the shed.

From
these wooden bearers, you can build the most lightweight base for a garden
building. If you are staying at a rented accommodation and creating permanent
structure is prohibited, this type of base is ideal for you. Those who are
unable to lift the weighty slabs can choose this type of shed base, as it’s easy to move a timber bearer
base to a different place,
if needed. When you are building
it up on a bumpy or rough ground, provide
some extra support
to the base with paving
stones.

Pros:

Easy to move

Recyclable

Strong

Durable

Affordable

Very lightweight

Cons:

Can’t be used for larger buildings

Regular maintenance is required

Rot easily

Note:

It will be a bad idea to place
the timber shed directly onto the ground.
Timber can rot quickly as moisture will be permeated
up through the timber. Don’t worry; it won’t happen at once but with time it might collapse from the base.

Decking Block Shade Base

Concrete decking
blocks are suitable
for sloping grounds.
You can use floor support
timbers to create a stable
platform for your shed.

How large the Base should be

When you are building a base for your shed,
it should be the same size of the floor
of your shed. At
times, people prefer creating a larger base for the sheds to enjoy an easy access
to the building. A larger base also helps in keeping
the grass off your shed walls. But it might
damp the building
by allowing the splashes
of rain on the extended
part of the base.
It is generally
not required to apply for permission before
building a shed in your garden unless
you are living in a conservation area or your garden shed is larger than regular
size.